Mauritania signs contract with Masdar for seven PV projects

Seven solar PV plants, with a combined capacity of 12MW, will be installed in seven Mauritanian towns. (Image source: Sandialabs/Flickr) Mauritania’s energy ministry has signed a contract with Abu Dhabi’s Masdar to deliver seven photovoltaic (PV) projects in the African nation

Seven towns have been shortlisted where the PV plants would be installed – Boutilimit, Aleg, Aioune, Akjoujt, Atar, Al Shami and Boulenour. The plants will have a total capacity of 12MW and are expected to be completed by Q1 2016, stated Masdar officials.

Sultan Al Jaber, chairman of Masdar, said, “Projects such as these unlock significant economic and social benefits by providing more reliable and efficient local sources of electricity. Masdar is committed to showcasing how renewable energy can provide a cost-competitive solution to meeting rising energy demands and improving energy security for nations with isolated grids.”

According to Masdar, the plants will displace six million litres of diesel fuel and 16,134 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Each plant, on an average, would meet nearly 30 per cent of each town’s electricity demand.

Mohamed Ould Khouna, minister of petroleum, energy and mines in Mauritania, said, “The solar projects, which Masdar is delivering, will demonstrate the valuable role played by renewable energy in socio-economic development by positively affecting the lives of citizens, through the provision of clean energy at commercial rates for our country.”

Masdar officials said that they would tender the project in Q1 2015, and intend to employ locals to execute the project. The upcoming project is the second one undertaken by the Abu Dhabi-based clean energy company in Mauritania – the first one being a 15MW PV plant in 2013.